Boys Tennis

Wheeler the team to beat in the GSSC

It’s a well known fact that a target looms around Wheeler in the Greater South Shore Conference. 

For a longtime the Bearcats have been perched at the top, seemingly unscathed. Heck, even last year — in what could be seen as a retooling campaign, finishing 7-5 overall — Wheeler still swept its GSSC duals and edged Bishop Noll 28-24 at the tourney (bringing home three conference firsts). 

Now, with this year’s tourney (which concludes with the finals on Saturday), Wheeler is again pacing conference play (3-0). Not to mention, the Bearcats’ strong 9-3 overall start.

Even with a better showing, though, Wheeler coach Mike Rosta knows the tournament’s hurdles, namely Marquette (2-1 GSSC) and Noll (2-1 GSSC). Marquette, also much improved, snagged a score during a 4-1 dual loss to Wheeler (including two three-setters). And Noll continues to be hungry, especially after an unsavory 5-0 loss to Wheeler. 

DAC showdown: To be blunt, this week is make-or-break for the top four squads in the Duneland. Although reigning victors Valparaiso (7-1, 3-0) have an edge, given a variety of circumstances, Crown Point (5-1, 3-0), LaPorte (10-2, 3-1) and Lake Central (6-3, 3-1) could also pull away. The next big Duneland test is Lake Central vs. Valparaiso (today).

P-T Top 5

1. Munster; 2. Valparaiso; 3. LaPorte; 4. Crown Point; 5. Lake Central

Player of the Week

Ben Kalisch, Valparaiso

The No. 1 singles player came through when it mattered most. Kalisch delivered a striking 6-2, 4-6, 6-1 win to help the Vikings remain undefeated in the DAC in a close-knit 3-2 outcome over LaPorte last Tuesday.

Girls golf

P-T Top 5

1. Chesterton; 2. Valpo; 3. Crown Point; 4. Lake Central; 5. Munster

Golfer of the Week

Allison Banasiak of Highland

Banasiak shot an 84 Monday at the Northwest Crossroads Conference Tournament at Sand Pines Golf Course. That earned her medalist honors.

— By staff writer Mike Hutton and
correspondent Josh Lichtenfeld